By Lubna Abdel-Aziz Are we not all addicted to the magic charm of happiness? And why not? Is it not considered one of the major human requirements that provide comfort, security and gratification? The pursuit of happiness is a noble endeavour, adding positively to the quality of our lives. To reach this state of happiness and satisfaction we focus on pleasurable activities. We play sports, we dance, we sing, we party, besides our major "beneficial biological behaviours like eating, sex and reproduction." Such rewarding activities are essential for our wellness, survival and growth. Moderate pleasurable experiences enhance our health and outlook, as long as we control our behaviour. Once we are powerless and lose control, abandoning ourselves to our habits disregarding their negative consequences, we become addicts. Drug consumption around the world is on the rise keeping researchers busy exploring different approaches for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of drug addicts. Substance addiction, which is a pleasurable habit for its user, is not merely a personality disorder, but a behaviour resulting from evolutionary influences. It is an instinctive genetic mechanism caused by significant psychological and biological stimuli. Scientists have conclusive evidence that addictive behaviour goes as far back as 200 million years. Dan F. Umanoff in his book Hypoic's Handbook -- The Evolutionary Origin, Genetic Blueprint and Neurobiological Foundation of Addiction, concludes that these addictions are unwanted consequences of genetic variations of the decision making apparatus. Homo sapiens inherited many activities from their early predecessors. So far however, our ancient wired bodies "have not yet evolved to adapt to a modern environment, leaving us vulnerable to addiction," according to Tammy Saab in her book The Evolutionary Origins and Significance of Drug Addiction. Archaeological records indicate the presence of psychotropic plants in ancient civilisations as far back as early hominid species. These instincts have been evolving leaving many of us prone to addiction. Why some and not others? More research is required to adequately explain this phenomenon; meanwhile we are "stuck with it!" Our very survival and multiplication depended on such basic instincts as procuring food, procreation, and avoiding danger. Even with the presence of mood changing drugs, they could not have been a major preoccupation of the ancients, who were focusing on survival against the natural elements. Therefore, genetic, environmental and social factors were not an issue. Inhabitants of Timor commonly used betel nut 13,000 years ago, so did Thais 10,000 years ago. Australian Aborigines used nicotine 40,000 years ago, so did North and South Americans. Cocaine was used in Ecuador 5,000 years ago, and the West Andes 7,000 years ago. Benefits of these drugs were numerous. They increased energy, decreased fatigue, and tolerance to the elements. In addition they were excellent sources of food, vitamins, minerals, and proteins rather than recreational psychotropic substances including inebriation. Drugs mask personality and emotional disorders. "All humans are genetically vulnerable to drug abuse," leaving the victim in a desolate desert of dependence and despair. The most widespread addiction today is caffeine. Few can survive without their tea or coffee. The popularity of Coffee Houses has spread the epidemic to teens and young children. Chocolate drinks are loaded with caffeine and so the dependency starts at a very early age, growing stronger from childhood. Even caffeine can kill, now available in higher doses in soft drinks, chocolates, even chewing gum and candy. Our second most common addiction is nicotine. We are all aware of the number of diseases caused by cigarette smoking, yet even among physicians, the percentage of smokers remains high. Tobacco companies concentrate on the younger groups, knowing that once the habit-forming mechanism takes over, it can only grow. Other addicting agents afflicting young and old are alcohol, amphetamines and barbiturates. Alcohol is now a major problem among the very young. Our addiction is not restricted to smoking and drinking. Overeating is an obsessive compulsive behaviour, detrimental to wellness, yet grabbing that sugary "donut" is hard to resist. On the other extreme of eating disorders are anorexia and bulimia, which result in serious life-threatening medical complications. Gambling of any kind, card games like bridge, are seductive habits that destroy abusers financially and socially. Television, the internet and cell phones, are newly born habits, courtesy of our advancing technology. Even if we leave our gadgets at home, some of us are addicted to people. Stalkers, obsessed with celebrities, risk jail and sometimes attempt assassinations to impress their objects of desire. Sex addicts who rape and violate even three year-old children, should be kept in confinement, or they will continue to hurt others and themselves. We are addicted to lovers, spouses, and abusive partners, becoming co- dependent on relationships even when they collapse. Religious zealots are addicted to worship, adhering to the letter of their faith. Politics can be an addictive trait; news-junkies are new addicts, so are shoppers, shopping all day and every day. Vanity makes some addicted to cosmetic surgery, and there are those who are addicted even to misery. Addictions cover the gamut from A to Z, from alcoholics to zealots and everything in between. Positive emotions are also addictive. We seek feelings of excitation and anticipation induced by the increase in fitness and pleasure. Release of dopamine and endorphins promote positive emotions, and scientists believe that the genetic lack of dopamine in our brains may be the predisposing factor leading to addiction. The two fundamental processes that control motivation are pleasure and pain. Pleasure has the capacity to help us survive. Music produces happy stimulants reducing stress hormone levels. Because pleasure is capable of reducing stress, it may facilitate addiction in the end. Pleasure and addiction are closely related. Therefore when pain and pleasure merge, the result is undesirable. We develop a bond with the habits that originally made us feel good. As long as we are in control of all pleasurable experiences, by all means let us enjoy them. Let us pursue those which stimulate personal growth and development. Sure we are creatures of habit, can we please remember to nurture only the good ones. I have learnt to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them. John Stuart Mill (1806-1873)
